"SANDS OF TIME" ONLINE AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
- Eric Goldfisher
- Feb 13
- 4 min read
February 12, 2026 | Eric Goldfisher
The Jones & Horan Auction Team is back with 200 exciting lots in our Sands of Time online auction. Jam packed with pocket watches, wristwatches, coins, and jewelry, bidders have until February 19th at 1 PM (EST) to win their favorites from this collection. If your valentine wouldn't mind an IOU, we've asked our experts to call out a few lots that would make excellent gifts for the collector in your life... or better yet, why not treat yourself to what you really want this year?
Wristwatch Picks from Tyler St. Gelais, Head of Wristwatches & Jewelry
Funky, cool, and oozing '70s style, it would be hard for Omega collectors to skip one of these models that take the path less traveled when perusing the Sands of Time.
Lot 69 | Omega Speedmaster Mark III, automatic chronograph
Only produced for a few years, the Mark III isn't just the first automatic Speedmaster model, it's Omega's first automatic chronograph (and the first Speedy to have a date complication). If that wasn't enough, the pilot-styled case is a huge departure from previous models, giving the Mark III serious presence on any wrist, even by today's standards.
Powered by a Lemania-based cal 1040, this model features a baby blue "airplane" central minutes hand, further differentiating it from the pack. This is a seriously fun watch that would be a great addition to anyone's collection.
Lot 72 | Omega Seamaster chronograph, manual wind
In a world chock-a-block of black dialed Speedmasters, sometimes we need a champagne 861-powered Seamaster chronograph on a factory Omega shark skin strap to remind us of the joys of collecting. Reliable, accurate, and satisfying to use, this Seamaster uses the same movement found across 30 years of Speedmaster production. It's a great conversation starter with watch lovers and sure to put a smile on your face whenever you check the time, especially if you keep it on this slick shark skin strap.
Pocket Watch Picks from Fred Hansen, Head of Pocket Watches
With close to 100 lots, there is something for every type of pocket watch collector in this auction. That said, these are the stand outs for me across American and European models.
Lots 141 & 142 | Waltham, Canadian Pacific Railway Models
Canadian Pacific Railway movements were produced by Waltham in Models 1883, 1892, and 1908 versions—and these two lots feature excellent examples. Lot 141 features a very unusual version of this model since the Canadian Pacific Railway logo does not have a frosted finish, instead employing nickel damascene to match the rest of the movement design. We believe this distinction is quite rare; in fact, we've only sold 19 examples of this model with the typical frosted shield finish over the last 30 or so years, and none like this. For this reason, Waltham collectors should take note of this opportunity to procure both versions of an uncommon watch, and one with a very rare movement finish.
Lot 117 | Elgin, Grade 411, 21J, 18S, scarce two-tone
One of the things I love most about collecting is finding truly rare models. This Elgin is a needle in a haystack, featuring a Grade 411 movement with a total production of only 1,000 units... all from a single run! Another stand out feature of Grade 411 is that all examples appear to have been made with a two-tone movement finish. Finding a 411 is nice, even better when it's in exceptional condition. Don't miss this lot, it is sure to please any American PW or Elgin collector.
Lot 143 | Waltham, Special Railroad King, 15J, 18S
With a heavy, 18S size coin silver case, this Waltham Special Railroad King lets you know it's a serous tool for railroad service right on the dial. This is a scare model with a very attractive A.W.C.Co. case, featuring a beautiful floral engraving to the rear.
Lot 157 | Omega, Grade DDC, 21J, 52mm
With two eye-catching Omegas featured in the wristwatch section, it's only fair to include this model with a rare Grade DDC movement. This watch is a looker: from the sharp white enamel DS dial with marginal minutes, to the fully capped lever escapement, and sunburst pattern nickel damascene, it's hard to decide what stands out the most. We have observed relatively few examples of this movement grade and believe it to be scarcer than some of the other contemporary high grade Omega products.
Lot 146 | Jules Jürgensen, 51mm, heavy 18K, unusual gilt and gilt damascene finish
This Jules Jürgensen, Copenhagen is big, bold, beautiful, and heavy (88.3 dwt)! Cased in an original JJ 18K HC, the movement is anything but standard. Winding only engages when the case front is open, preventing accidental overwinding in daily use. The real standout is the unusual movement finishing—a combination of frosted gilt finish to the upper plates and high portion of dial plate with gilt damascene finish to recesses of dial plate below balance wheel and train.
Don't let the Sands of Time pass you by when it closes next week. As a reminder, Jones & Horan online auctions require registration before you can place your bid. If you’d like to preview any lots in person, don’t hesitate to contact our team at auctions@jones-horan.com to schedule an appointment at our NH headquarters.
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